JINNY on Creativity, Talent, and Her Solo Debut ‘Towards the Light’

Get to know the multi-talented singer and rapper, JINNY, as she pours her heart into her solo debut EP.

JINNY, formerly a member of the multinational K-pop girl group SECRET NUMBER, is stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist with extraordinary talent and a commanding presence. Known for her powerful rap, versatile vocals, and ability to convey emotion with every note, she has consistently captivated audiences around the world. Her performances reveal a rare combination of technical skill, stage charisma, and artistic intuition, making her one of the most promising solo artists to emerge from the K-pop scene. This solo debut gives her the platform to fully express her unique voice and showcase the depth of her artistry.

Her debut mini-album, Towards the Light, released on September 8, 2025, showcases JINNY’s remarkable range and musicality. The EP spans multiple genres, from high-energy rock-electro fusion to tender ballads and groove-driven R&B, highlighting her seamless ability to transition between rap and singing. JINNY also contributed to songwriting and composition, embedding her personal vision, emotions, and experiences into every track. Each song on the album demonstrates her creativity, precision, and dedication to her craft, making Towards the Light a compelling introduction to her solo career.

In this exclusive interview, JINNY shares her thoughts on the making of Towards the Light, offering insight into the inspiration behind her lead single, “Everglow,” and the personal and artistic growth that shaped the album. She opens up about the challenges and triumphs of stepping out as a solo artist, revealing the talent, determination, and passion that define her as a performer and the exciting path she is carving for the next chapter of her career.

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Hi JINNY, it’s nice to meet you. For listeners who may be discovering you for the first time as a solo artist, how would you introduce JINNY in your own words?

JINNY: Hello! I would introduce JINNY as someone who is very passionate and dedicated. I believe that JINNY has a very distinctive tone, making songs sound more unique, and this allows JINNY to highlight her own style.

Congratulations on the release of ‘Towards the Light!’ This debut marks both a fresh start and a continuation of your artistic journey. What do you hope listeners take away from hearing the EP from start to finish?

JINNY: Thank you! Just like the album title “Towards the Light”, I hope the listeners can feel the hope and positivity in life after listening to the album. Despite the obstacles along the way, I chose not to give up, and fortunately, I was able to finally release a solo album and make my solo debut. I really hope this can deliver the message not to give up on people who are having a hard time in life right now.

The title “Towards the Light” carries a very hopeful message. What personal meaning does “towards the light” hold for you in this chapter of your career?

JINNY: I entered this industry in 2013, at the age of 15. The journey till now wasn’t an easy one, and it got to the point where I started thinking that I was stuck in an endless dark tunnel - just longing to escape, to strive for the right timing and the right moment. 

I really hope the album ‘Towards the Light’ (my solo debut) will serve as a stepping stone to a brighter future, finally marking the beginning of a new chapter in life.

How would you describe the biggest differences between JINNY as part of SECRET NUMBER and JINNY as a solo artist?

JINNY: I’d describe JINNY in SECRET NUMBER as a ziplock bag - transparent, so that people can watch me perform, but sealed, so that the contents inside the bag won’t ever leak or fall out.

I believe that I wasn’t given the chance to reveal myself and to showcase my true style in music, due to many different factors and reasons. 

Now that I’m able to write my own songs and release them, I can finally become the architect of my own songs and build and design them however I want. This will finally give me the opportunity to showcase my true color and style, which I’m very grateful for. 

If you could describe the entire EP in three words, which would you choose?

JINNY: FREEDOM, HOPE, DREAM

The concept of ‘Towards the Light’ emphasizes trusting your own path. How do you personally connect with that theme, and how do you express it through your performance and music?

JINNY: I personally connect with this theme of trusting your own path because, from the moment I started pursuing my dream as a singer, I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else. 

However, no matter how hard I tried, chances always vanished away from me, even when they were so close. For this reason, there were so many moments when I wanted to give up, but I continued dreaming and imagining myself on stage. Since I was so bold about pursuing my dream, I think the fact that I’m enjoying the stage unintentionally shows when I’m performing.

Fans always tell me that I look really happy on stage, and I think it’s true because I really try my best to enjoy every single moment of the performance, and I believe that I’m communicating and connecting with the audience while performing. 

You were involved in songwriting and composing for this EP. What was the most rewarding—and most challenging—part of putting your own words and emotions into the music?

JINNY: The most rewarding aspect of songwriting and composing for this EP is that I can truly bring my own distinctive style to the music. The most challenging part when writing lyrics is when I have to use my imagination, which is the case for the majority of the lyrics I write. 

“Everglow” is the lead single of your debut EP. What drew you to this song first, and why did you feel it was the perfect choice to introduce your solo debut?

JINNY: Firstly, I really enjoy the pop-rock genre, and I felt that it was the perfect song to make connections to the hopeful messages I wanted to deliver. Also, “Everglow” has an upbeat and energetic vibe that really radiates the energy of a new chapter and a new beginning. 

How did you approach expressing both your rap and vocal sides in this track? Was there a moment during the recording or production of “Everglow” that challenged you or pushed you outside your comfort zone?

JINNY: I always try to incorporate both singing and rapping when I write songs, so the concept wasn’t something new for me; however, a lot of different vocal techniques were needed to record “Everglow.” Transitioning from lower notes to higher ones, executing runs, and switching between falsetto and full voice—all within a single song—was really challenging for me. I’m more accustomed to rapping, so having to use all of these vocal techniques in one performance pushed me out of my comfort zone.

When you listen to “Everglow” now, what emotions or memories does it evoke for you?

JINNY: Especially when I listen to the intro and the chorus part of “Everglow,” it really evokes the mood of a new start, enlivening the passion inside me again. 

Which track feels the most personal to you, and why?

JINNY: I’d have to say the title track, “Everglow,” feels the most personal to me, because it holds the story of my journey trying to pursue my dreams. 

What have you learned about yourself while preparing for this solo debut?

JINNY: There was a point when I felt extremely hopeless when it came to writing music, but while preparing for this solo debut, I’ve learned that I’m still very passionate about creating and writing music, and that I absolutely enjoy doing it. 

Looking ahead, what kind of artist do you hope to grow into through your solo career?

JINNY: I hope I can explore a variety of genres and create music that is so unique, listeners can recognize it as my song without even realizing it.

Additionally, I hope listeners can sense that the songs I release are distinctly “JINNY-like.”

Finally, please share a message with fans who have been waiting for your solo debut and supporting you on this new journey.

JINNY: I sincerely want to thank all my fans not only for all the love and support, but for always being here and waiting for me, no matter what.

I hope to give back all the love you guys have been giving me, and I hope my existence can be a source of happiness and strength for you all, just like how you guys are my motivation and my inspiration. Let’s hope this new journey only brings happiness!

Thank you always, and love you all.

Listen to JINNY's solo debut EP, 'Toward the Light' on Spotify or Apple Music.

Connect with JINNY on Instagram (official), Instagram (personal), X, YouTube, and TikTok.

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*Special thanks to Betty Music and JINNY for this exclusive interview.

Image and Video Credits: Betty Music